Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus

UConn Hartford's liberal arts program punches well above the typical performance for this degree. While liberal arts programs nationally see graduates earning around $36,000 in their first year, this campus delivers $44,240—placing it in the 86th percentile nationally. The $22,000 median debt is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.50, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary rather than the three-quarters they'd face at many competing programs.

The Hartford campus matches the flagship UConn performance exactly for this major, which is noteworthy given its 86% admission rate makes it far more accessible. Nearly half the students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves first-generation and lower-income students well. Earnings growth to $47,843 by year four shows steady progression, though it's worth noting the moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs.

For an affordable liberal arts degree that opens doors without crushing debt, this program delivers. The combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt gives graduates breathing room to pursue graduate school or career paths that don't immediately maximize income—flexibility that liberal arts students often value.